We go to Steve's parents' after church on Christmas Eve and have dinner and then open gifts from them. Maria and Jeremy will be there, too. It's always nice to visit with them. We get up very early on Christmas Day after Santa has visited. We always discover unwrapped surprises from the big bearded guy. Then we open gifts from each other while we sit around in our jammies and drink hot cocoa. My parents will come up from Golden Valley in the late morning. We'll have breakfast and then share more gifts. Then we all go to Steve's parents' house for a fancy Christmas dinner.
This year we brought presents to the Salvation Army. Each of the kids picked out a gift that they, themselves, would like to have and they bought it for another child their age. We delivered them yesterday and had a tour of the food shelf and learned a little about how other people live. It was a good experience for my (mostly self-centered) kids.
We also had each of our own kids pick another kid's name from a hat (literally - a Central High School Football hat) and they bought a gift for that other kid in the family. The 'secret' part of the 'secret Santa' didn't last long, but it was fun anyway.
Christmas is so much fun with those kids! I just love Christmas. This year we have lots of snow - and more falling right now.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Goin' back to Cali!
My cousin, Brian, was married a couple days ago to a beautiful gal named Diana at The Jones Victorian Estate. My mom and I traveled to California to be there. We rented a car, stayed in a nice hotel, and enjoyed every minute of our time together.
I don't see my cousins much. They're all quite a bit younger than me and live on the West Coast. I've not been in touch with any of them, except the two who are Alden's children. Amy is 21 and Brian is 25. I remember when both of them were born. That makes a gal feel old.
I was most impressed with My Aunt Mary's family. Mary's mother is a beautiful matriarch to this energetic family. Mary has 6 siblings, who, along with their children and grandchildren from three states, made us 'part of the family'. I love that they all get along and look forward to being together. They were such fun.
Pictures can be found on Flicker:
I don't see my cousins much. They're all quite a bit younger than me and live on the West Coast. I've not been in touch with any of them, except the two who are Alden's children. Amy is 21 and Brian is 25. I remember when both of them were born. That makes a gal feel old.
I was most impressed with My Aunt Mary's family. Mary's mother is a beautiful matriarch to this energetic family. Mary has 6 siblings, who, along with their children and grandchildren from three states, made us 'part of the family'. I love that they all get along and look forward to being together. They were such fun.
Pictures can be found on Flicker:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
My birthday
It's my birthday! I'm 38 years old today. I was hoping I would feel smarter. Maybe I have to be 40 for that.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Anniversary Trip 2008
Hey Baby Let's go to Vegas! I took Friday and Monday off of work for our third annual anniversary trip. It was Steve's turn to plan it. In the past, we've been to Lutsen and to Stillwater. This year, I had no idea where we were going. We drove to the airport and went to the ticketing area and the sign said, Las Vegas. I've never been to Las Vegas, and neither had Steve. It was an adventure!
We visited every casino and collected matchbooks with the casino's name. Neither of us needs matches for anything, but it was fun to see all the different places. There were people from all over the world in Vegas. It was cool to look at someone and then to hear their voice, their language. Sometimes it was what you'd expect. Our pictures can be found on Flicker:
We arrived in Vegas in the early afternoon and took a cab to the Monte Carlo, where we stayed. Friday night was our anniversary celebration. We got all dressed up after our afternoon "nap" and saw Zumanity, a sensual Circ du Soliel show at New York, New York. Afterward we ate at Gallagher's Steakhouse. I've never had an $8 potato with my steak. The day was spectacular!
On Saturday we had a brunch buffet at Paris and rode the Deuce all over town and enjoyed the sights. At night we saw the Danny Gans show, and ate dinner at Fatburger on the strip. We saw the light show at the Fountains of Bellagio and fell asleep exhausted from all the over-stimulating experiences of the day.
On Sunday morning we slept in and spent some time at the Race and Sports Book where Steve bet and lost a handful of money on football games. It was fun to predict the outcomes and to check on the games as we went throughout our day. We sat by the outdoor pool and plunged into the Jacuzzi for a little while and then we hopped on the Deuce to see the Freemont Street Expeience. You have to click on that link to see what it's all about! It was pretty cool to see all the old casinos and the light show above the mall area was incredible. We even saw Willie Nelson walking around there.
On Monday morning we came home. It was such a great time! Thank you to Steve's parents for caring for the Miller kids. We couldn't do it without you!
Next year I have to plan the Anniversary Trip. Do you have a suggestion?
We visited every casino and collected matchbooks with the casino's name. Neither of us needs matches for anything, but it was fun to see all the different places. There were people from all over the world in Vegas. It was cool to look at someone and then to hear their voice, their language. Sometimes it was what you'd expect. Our pictures can be found on Flicker:
We arrived in Vegas in the early afternoon and took a cab to the Monte Carlo, where we stayed. Friday night was our anniversary celebration. We got all dressed up after our afternoon "nap" and saw Zumanity, a sensual Circ du Soliel show at New York, New York. Afterward we ate at Gallagher's Steakhouse. I've never had an $8 potato with my steak. The day was spectacular!
On Saturday we had a brunch buffet at Paris and rode the Deuce all over town and enjoyed the sights. At night we saw the Danny Gans show, and ate dinner at Fatburger on the strip. We saw the light show at the Fountains of Bellagio and fell asleep exhausted from all the over-stimulating experiences of the day.
On Sunday morning we slept in and spent some time at the Race and Sports Book where Steve bet and lost a handful of money on football games. It was fun to predict the outcomes and to check on the games as we went throughout our day. We sat by the outdoor pool and plunged into the Jacuzzi for a little while and then we hopped on the Deuce to see the Freemont Street Expeience. You have to click on that link to see what it's all about! It was pretty cool to see all the old casinos and the light show above the mall area was incredible. We even saw Willie Nelson walking around there.
On Monday morning we came home. It was such a great time! Thank you to Steve's parents for caring for the Miller kids. We couldn't do it without you!
Next year I have to plan the Anniversary Trip. Do you have a suggestion?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Keep Paddling! Keep Paddling!
I did it! Cross it off the list! I went with 4 girlfriends and their girlfriends to the Apostle Islands! It was a wonderful, exhausting, exhilarating, lovely (as Angel would say) achievement! I can't wait to share it with my husband and our kids.
Sheila picked me up and we went to Ana's to pick her and 3 friends up for the trip. We stopped to eat in Superior at a Chinese restaurant and then drove to Bayfield, WI. We walked the pier and enjoyed a little Bayfield nightlife. Michelle, Amy and Charity joined us there. We slept in a studio apartment above a restaurant in Bayfield after a climb up the fire escape.
We were up early and had breakfast at Greunke's restaurant downstairs. Angel prepped us for the day ahead with some oga stretches right at our table. We headed to Living Adventure, three miles down the road. We met our guides, Alex and Sean. Alex is from Mexico and speaks with a thick Mexican accent, which made me listen more closely. Sean is an intern with Living Adventure and is learning from a great teacher. They helped us find the right equipment and Alex taught us all about the islands we'd visit on our trip and some safety guidelines and tips for making the trip the best it could be.
We had lunch on shore and then headed out for our beginning paddle. We enjoyed a snack on a sandy beach. It was really windy and the lake was choppy when we headed across the channel to Oak Island. Our guides were very encouraging and helpful along the 6 mile trek on Day 1.
After a treacherous paddle across the channel (Michelle was in the single kayak and learned quickly! The waves were wild and Alex kept yelling, "Keep paddling! Keep paddling!!") we landed on Oak Island. We set up camp while Alex made a fire and made dinner. We enjoyed some time around the fire and a hike before dinner. We had a great meal of Lake Superior Whitefish, rice, bread with Brie Cheese and a great (yet burned) mixed berry pie that is Alex's speciality. Some of us enjoyed a little Root 100 (that's 100 proof root beer schnapps), even though it hurt to just lift to our lips. We went to bed early, exhausted and looking forward to a new day.
We were up with the sun - well, we were up even though the sun wasn't shining. I had an early morning think-time on the lake. It was cloudy and about 50 degrees at 6 a.m. Angel led us through some comforting yoga postures that helped to stretch my aching muscles. Now I can say, "I did yoga on Oak Island!" Alex made coffee, which I gleefully drank, scrambled eggs and black beans for breakfast. My regular breakfast of Diet Mt. Dew and a salted nut roll from the gas station was not being served. We took down the tents, loaded the boats, and were on the water by 9, when the sun started to shine. We toured the coast of Oak Island and made it across the channel to Raspberry Island where we took a hike to and a tour of the newly restored Lighthouse.
We paddled across to the mainland and toured the shoreline back to Living Adventure. It took a very long time to paddle the 12 miles back, but it was a beautiful day and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. My soggy arms were not much help getting me out of the boat. I felt like it would have been easier if they would just tip the boat over and let me fall out. :)
It was a great trip. I would recommend Living Adventure and Alex to anyone willing to work a little for a great experience. In fact, I will send my kids and maybe even go with them sometime in the future.
View many of my pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28659974@N07/
Sheila picked me up and we went to Ana's to pick her and 3 friends up for the trip. We stopped to eat in Superior at a Chinese restaurant and then drove to Bayfield, WI. We walked the pier and enjoyed a little Bayfield nightlife. Michelle, Amy and Charity joined us there. We slept in a studio apartment above a restaurant in Bayfield after a climb up the fire escape.
We were up early and had breakfast at Greunke's restaurant downstairs. Angel prepped us for the day ahead with some oga stretches right at our table. We headed to Living Adventure, three miles down the road. We met our guides, Alex and Sean. Alex is from Mexico and speaks with a thick Mexican accent, which made me listen more closely. Sean is an intern with Living Adventure and is learning from a great teacher. They helped us find the right equipment and Alex taught us all about the islands we'd visit on our trip and some safety guidelines and tips for making the trip the best it could be.
We had lunch on shore and then headed out for our beginning paddle. We enjoyed a snack on a sandy beach. It was really windy and the lake was choppy when we headed across the channel to Oak Island. Our guides were very encouraging and helpful along the 6 mile trek on Day 1.
After a treacherous paddle across the channel (Michelle was in the single kayak and learned quickly! The waves were wild and Alex kept yelling, "Keep paddling! Keep paddling!!") we landed on Oak Island. We set up camp while Alex made a fire and made dinner. We enjoyed some time around the fire and a hike before dinner. We had a great meal of Lake Superior Whitefish, rice, bread with Brie Cheese and a great (yet burned) mixed berry pie that is Alex's speciality. Some of us enjoyed a little Root 100 (that's 100 proof root beer schnapps), even though it hurt to just lift to our lips. We went to bed early, exhausted and looking forward to a new day.
We were up with the sun - well, we were up even though the sun wasn't shining. I had an early morning think-time on the lake. It was cloudy and about 50 degrees at 6 a.m. Angel led us through some comforting yoga postures that helped to stretch my aching muscles. Now I can say, "I did yoga on Oak Island!" Alex made coffee, which I gleefully drank, scrambled eggs and black beans for breakfast. My regular breakfast of Diet Mt. Dew and a salted nut roll from the gas station was not being served. We took down the tents, loaded the boats, and were on the water by 9, when the sun started to shine. We toured the coast of Oak Island and made it across the channel to Raspberry Island where we took a hike to and a tour of the newly restored Lighthouse.
We paddled across to the mainland and toured the shoreline back to Living Adventure. It took a very long time to paddle the 12 miles back, but it was a beautiful day and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. My soggy arms were not much help getting me out of the boat. I felt like it would have been easier if they would just tip the boat over and let me fall out. :)
It was a great trip. I would recommend Living Adventure and Alex to anyone willing to work a little for a great experience. In fact, I will send my kids and maybe even go with them sometime in the future.
View many of my pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28659974@N07/
Friday, August 15, 2008
Reunion
I went to my 20 year high school reunion. Steve and I met a bunch of my friends - I still consider them good friends even though we only see eachother a couple times each year - at a restaurant called The Lakehouse on Forest Lake. The parking lot of the place is actually where my old house was torn down. We laughed, looked at old pictures, and talked before going to the real reunion.
Steve and I went in through the bar entranced and crashed the party. It wasn't worth the $85/person anyway. At first I didn't know who to talk to - everybody looked so old! Steve kept getting me drinks from the bar and I mingled more and more as the night went on. He was great - putting up with my shinanigans. I have a couple pictures I'll add sometime soon.
I learned to sew cushions for my deck swing and chairs. I made four cushions tonight - yes, a very exciting Friday night! I'll make the other four antoher time. I have to finish spray painting the swing and chairs, too.
Upcoming event - kayak trip in the Apostle Islands. I'm nervous about the weather. But, i figure I can do ANYTHING for 2 days and I will survive. ;)
Steve and I went in through the bar entranced and crashed the party. It wasn't worth the $85/person anyway. At first I didn't know who to talk to - everybody looked so old! Steve kept getting me drinks from the bar and I mingled more and more as the night went on. He was great - putting up with my shinanigans. I have a couple pictures I'll add sometime soon.
I learned to sew cushions for my deck swing and chairs. I made four cushions tonight - yes, a very exciting Friday night! I'll make the other four antoher time. I have to finish spray painting the swing and chairs, too.
Upcoming event - kayak trip in the Apostle Islands. I'm nervous about the weather. But, i figure I can do ANYTHING for 2 days and I will survive. ;)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
End of July
The triathlon that started my list was last weekend. I didn't go. My friend, Shannon, competed and finished. I'm proud of her, and a little jealous. I really want to feel the success of completing a triathlon.
The house I love - 46?? London Road IS FOR SALE!!! I got a call from my friend, Sheila, on Friday that they had a sign out front that said "For Sale By Owner." We were out of town at the Little LEague Baseball State Tournament (Anthony plays on the 12-year-old All-Star team). So anyway, when we were on our way back home on Sunday, we spotted the owner outside and asked if we could tour the house. Steve and I walked through it - 4 bedrooms, 4 baths (really small and 50s colors), tiny kitchen and beautiful beach on Lek Superior! I love this house and it's property. I love everything - including all the work that it would take to make it beautiful. They're asking $900,000 for it and it's WAY out of the question. Bummer. It was a sad night!
I have a summer cold. I'm miserable.
What am I looking forward to? I have my 20 year high school reunion coming up on August 9. That'll be fun. I'm going to learn to add pictures here so I can post some. I'm also dabbling in Flickr, so maybe I'll make a link.
I'm also looking forward to my kayaking trip with my girlfriends around some of the Apostle Islands at the end of August. It's going to be a great learning experience.
The house I love - 46?? London Road IS FOR SALE!!! I got a call from my friend, Sheila, on Friday that they had a sign out front that said "For Sale By Owner." We were out of town at the Little LEague Baseball State Tournament (Anthony plays on the 12-year-old All-Star team). So anyway, when we were on our way back home on Sunday, we spotted the owner outside and asked if we could tour the house. Steve and I walked through it - 4 bedrooms, 4 baths (really small and 50s colors), tiny kitchen and beautiful beach on Lek Superior! I love this house and it's property. I love everything - including all the work that it would take to make it beautiful. They're asking $900,000 for it and it's WAY out of the question. Bummer. It was a sad night!
I have a summer cold. I'm miserable.
What am I looking forward to? I have my 20 year high school reunion coming up on August 9. That'll be fun. I'm going to learn to add pictures here so I can post some. I'm also dabbling in Flickr, so maybe I'll make a link.
I'm also looking forward to my kayaking trip with my girlfriends around some of the Apostle Islands at the end of August. It's going to be a great learning experience.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
My trip with Anthony
I went to St. Cloud for a children's literature conference organized by SCSU. I met Eric Kimmel (http://www.ericakimmel.com) and Janet Stevens (http://www.janetstevens.com/). It was a lot of fun to listen to them banter about how books are made. Ms. Stevens is very funny! My favorite tale was one she told about her editor who she calls "The little red pen." She wrote a whole story, Little Red Hen style, about this woman editor. I laughed so hard! Eric has convinced me that I should write children's books. I'm still thinking about adding it to my list.
Anthony played in the pool and shot some hoops in the hotel while I learned new things. We went to Lake Maria too late to enjoy much. We hiked until we were covered with mosquitos. By covered, I mean, I looked down at my shorted legs and counted 16 mosquitos at one time. It was a pleasant drive, but the walk was not so much fun after all the mosquito-breeding weather. We spent a couple hours at Barnes and Noble and Coldstone Creamery instead. Could life get any better?
I moved "Take a trip with Anthony" off my to do list and put it on my done list. I would like to take another trip with him some day, but I'm not sure that I have the patience. Maybe someday I'll move this one back onto the to do list.
Anthony played in the pool and shot some hoops in the hotel while I learned new things. We went to Lake Maria too late to enjoy much. We hiked until we were covered with mosquitos. By covered, I mean, I looked down at my shorted legs and counted 16 mosquitos at one time. It was a pleasant drive, but the walk was not so much fun after all the mosquito-breeding weather. We spent a couple hours at Barnes and Noble and Coldstone Creamery instead. Could life get any better?
I moved "Take a trip with Anthony" off my to do list and put it on my done list. I would like to take another trip with him some day, but I'm not sure that I have the patience. Maybe someday I'll move this one back onto the to do list.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Upcoming events
I'm planning a trip with Anthony. We're going to a reading conference in St. Cloud June 16 and 17 and we're going to explore the area. We'll do some hiking at Lake Maria and play around a little in the water near Sauk Rapids. It might be a good bonding weekend for us! Then I can cross that off my list!
There are plans for a kayaking weekend with my girlfriends at the end of August. We're going to do a 2 day trip in the Apostle Islands. THe outfitter's called Living Adventure and we will be doing the trip called Wind, Sand, and Stars. That trip will complete #12 AND #15 on my list. I can kill two of them with one of them.
There are plans for a kayaking weekend with my girlfriends at the end of August. We're going to do a 2 day trip in the Apostle Islands. THe outfitter's called Living Adventure and we will be doing the trip called Wind, Sand, and Stars. That trip will complete #12 AND #15 on my list. I can kill two of them with one of them.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day Run/Walk
Sheila picked me and Dawn up at 7:15. We went to the DECC and we ran the race. Dawn is a jogger. She can go forever - slow and steady! I would rather run and walk.
My running style - lumbering. I looked it up online. Definition: Something useless or cumbersome. That about fits.
Sheila and I held hands and crossed the finish line together. We finished it! Cross it off the list!
My running style - lumbering. I looked it up online. Definition: Something useless or cumbersome. That about fits.
Sheila and I held hands and crossed the finish line together. We finished it! Cross it off the list!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Help
I sent out an email tonight to some friends. I'm looking for help building my list of things to do before I turn 45. That's almost 8 years. I can get a lot accomplished in that much time. What do you suggest I try? Post a comment or email me. Thanks for your help.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Stolen
Other "Things To Do" Type Websites (I copied this from somebody else)
1. - The BeforeThirty Challenge - James McGhee's Things to do before 30
2. - 101 Things to Do....... - 101 Things To Do Before You're Old & Boring (Or Die)
3. - 43 Things - A Popular One
4. - More Coffee - Based On The 101 Things..... Site
5. - My 50 - The Original & Best
6. - Before You Die - A 'Commercial' Spin On The " -- Things To Do" Type Sites.
7. - Dead Before 40 - Kind Of Related, But Interesting None The Less.
8. - What's On Your List - Brigid's Great Site Of Her Things To Do Each Year
9. - Modern Drunkard Magazine - 40 Things Every Drunkard Should Do Before They Die
10. - Before Thirty - John Boileau & His 30 Before Thirty
11. - To Do Before Dying - Nope, this one not morbid either
12. - 2 Do Before I Die - Please, no more with Death/Die/Dying in the Title, please!
1. - The BeforeThirty Challenge - James McGhee's Things to do before 30
2. - 101 Things to Do....... - 101 Things To Do Before You're Old & Boring (Or Die)
3. - 43 Things - A Popular One
4. - More Coffee - Based On The 101 Things..... Site
5. - My 50 - The Original & Best
6. - Before You Die - A 'Commercial' Spin On The " -- Things To Do" Type Sites.
7. - Dead Before 40 - Kind Of Related, But Interesting None The Less.
8. - What's On Your List - Brigid's Great Site Of Her Things To Do Each Year
9. - Modern Drunkard Magazine - 40 Things Every Drunkard Should Do Before They Die
10. - Before Thirty - John Boileau & His 30 Before Thirty
11. - To Do Before Dying - Nope, this one not morbid either
12. - 2 Do Before I Die - Please, no more with Death/Die/Dying in the Title, please!
Friday, April 11, 2008
New blog name
I have to change the name of this blog. I am going to change it to 45 things to do before I turn 45. That'll give me more time.
First on my list is 1.) how to make a checklist in my blog. I saw a blog with a good list and I have to figure out how to do that.
If you have any ideas about what to add to my list, please send them to me. Post a comment below.
First on my list is 1.) how to make a checklist in my blog. I saw a blog with a good list and I have to figure out how to do that.
If you have any ideas about what to add to my list, please send them to me. Post a comment below.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Triathlon
Shannon is an old friend from high school. She's married to #2 - Jason - and has 2 boys who are 13 and 7. They live in North Branch. Shannon runs her family business - carpet and blinds. I only get to see Shannon a couple of times a year, but she always makes me laugh.
Shannon has asked me and probably 100 other people to do the Chisago Lakes Triathlon Sprint in July. I laughed at first. I've never done anything like that before. I walked the Mother's Day Walk for breast cancer a few times, but that's a WALK and it's 2 miles. And I came home sore every time. I have been trying to lose weight, so maybe this is a goal that will help with another goal. So for now, it's still a maybe. Ihaven't registered. We'll see how it goes.
Shannon has asked me and probably 100 other people to do the Chisago Lakes Triathlon Sprint in July. I laughed at first. I've never done anything like that before. I walked the Mother's Day Walk for breast cancer a few times, but that's a WALK and it's 2 miles. And I came home sore every time. I have been trying to lose weight, so maybe this is a goal that will help with another goal. So for now, it's still a maybe. Ihaven't registered. We'll see how it goes.
I'll be so much smarter
I know when I turn 40 I'll be so much smarter than I am in my 30s. I have learned so much in my 30s. I have freinds in their 40s who just don't care about some things any more. They have so much wisdom. They take care of themselves and their families and everything just seems to roll off their backs. I want to be like that.
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